Foot orthoses

Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and improve foot posture. People who have chronic foot or leg problems that interfere with the health and functioning of their feet may be prescribed orthoses by their podiatrist. For example, someone prone to calluses can have the pressure of their body weight redistributed across their feet with the aid of custom-fitted shoe inserts. Athletes may also wear orthoses to help correct any foot problems that could hinder their performance. These prescription shoe inserts are either ‘off the shelf’ or made from scratch using a plaster cast or computer-aided digital picture of the patient’s foot. Another name for orthoses is ‘orthotic devices’- any artificial aid designed to support or brace the spine or limb.

Conditions that can be treated with orthoses

Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include:

• Corns and calluses
• Foot ulceration
• Tendonitis
• Recurrent ankle sprain
• Recurrent stress fractures
• Heel pain.

Orthoses are individually designed

Orthoses are designed to address the patient’s particular foot problems. The various types of orthoses can include:

• Functional foot (customised kinetic) orthoses - to offer all the features below, including postural adjustment.
• Prefabricated orthoses - these devices can be customised by the podiatrist to provide relief for a specific problem.
• Cushioning orthoses - to offer extra shock absorption to the foot.
• Pressure relief orthoses - to remove pressure spots (that could be responsible for complaints such as corns or calluses) by redistributing the person’s body weight across the sole of the foot.

Comprehensive diagnosis

When prescribing your orthoses, your podiatrist will consider various factors, including:

• Existing foot problems (such as corns and calluses)
• Foot structure and function
• Biomechanical considerations, including posture and walking style
• Type of footwear commonly worn
• Occupation (such as whether your job involves standing up for long periods of time)
• Lifestyle factors (such as preferred sports).

Assessment

A comprehensive clinical assessment is done before orthoses are prescribed. This will take into account such things as your:

• Medical and surgical history
• Footwear
• Occupational issues
• Lifestyle factors.

If an orthosis is considered necessary, a comprehensive understanding of your foot function will be required. This may be done by examining the foot or using a computer. It might include a range of motion studies, gait/walking analysis, postural alignment evaluation or other relevant techniques.

Long-term treatment

Orthoses will usually be prescribed with accompanying therapies, such as a tailored program of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve posture and alignment. These exercises are generally developed by the podiatrist in consultation with you and commenced at the time of orthotic prescription. Other physical therapies may include:

• Ultrasound
• Mobilisation
• Manipulation
• Taping and strapping.

For people with diabetic foot ulcers, wound cleaning and dressings are provided as well as pressure-relieving orthoses to improve the rate of healing.

You may need to visit your podiatrist after your orthoses are fitted to make sure they are working properly. In some cases, small adjustments to the shoe inserts are needed. Your podiatrist will devise an ongoing treatment plan to help you manage your foot problems in the long term.

Where to get help

• Podiatrist
• Australian Podiatry Association (Vic) - to find a podiatrist in your area please call Tel. (03) 9286 1885 or website

Things to remember

• Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and correct any imbalances.
• Some of the foot and lower limb problems that can be successfully treated in the long term with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis, recurrent ankle sprain, plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome and recurrent stress fractures.
• Other treatments may include exercises and recommendations on footwear.

You might also be interested in:

• Feet - relief for pain and injury.
  
• Foot care - podiatrists.
  
• Foot problems - treatments.
  
• Footwear for healthy feet.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

The Podiatry logo - links to further information

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: February 2010

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Foot_orthoses?open">Foot orthoses - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
Foot orthoses or orthotic devices are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet, improve foot posture and correct any imbalances. Some foot problems that can be treated with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis and recurrent ankle sprain. Athletes may also wear orthoses to help correct any foot problems that could hinder their performance. A podiatrist can help make and fit foot orthoses.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2012  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.